Things to do near
Elands River Valley
*Distances are shown as the crow flies and not necessarily the actual travelling
distance.
Animal Parks
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Thornhill (18.1 km from Elands River Valley) African Dawn is set in a tranquil valley. This beautiful bird and wildlife sanctuary features an endangered cat breeding program and rehabilitation centre. The on-site restaurant offers good meals.
Open daily 09:00 - 17:00.
Nature Reserves
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Port Elizabeth (19 km from Elands River Valley) Van Staden's Wild Flower Reserve was established in 1951 and is situated 40 km from Port Elizabeth. It is one of the top places to see lowland fynbos, flowering proteas and a variety of other endemic fynbos. Visitors can see a large variety of vegetation in the various habitats of the escarpment. There is an abundance of succulents, ericas, leucadendrons, and other indigenous flora.
The reserve aims to protect the large variety of bird, plant and animal species within the area. Bird watchers can feast their eyes on more than 170 bird species and a number of raptors frolicking in their natural habitat along the rocky gorge. This includes the forest buzzard, jackal buzzard, booted eagle, African crowned eagle, peregrine falcon, black sparrowhawk, and lanner falcon. There is an indigenous coastal forest along the gorge of Van Staden's River. It is home to the Knysna turaco, the Knysna warbler, and the sombre greenbul, among many others.
There is also a nursery in the reserve which sells indigenous flora, and scenic picnic sites on the plateau that are perfect for relaxing over a meal. There are two hiking trails for those who want to explore the reserve. The River Walk is four kilometres long and the Forest Walk is six kilometres. Mountain bikers can explore the plateau section of the reserve, and there are easier sections which are ideal for families to cycle on.
Hiking Trail
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Uitenhage (20.1 km from Elands River Valley) Located about 8 km out of Uitenhage is the Groendal Wilderness Area, which features many lovely walking trails.
The Blindekloof Trail is 16 km long, which will take about 4 hours to complete. An easy day’s walk, the trail starts from the office parking area, leads through succulent thicket and forest, following the Blindekloof Stream to Crystal Cavern Pool. Hikers return along the same route.
The Upper Blindekloof Trail is a 2 day, 32 km long trail. This is a fairly difficult hike. From the parking area it leads uphill for 16 km, then descends steeply to Blindekloof Stream. Hikers follow the stream until the Paardekloof junction. Hikers will then climb steeply out of the kloof, and downhill back to the parking area. This route involves many compulsory swims.
To organize your hike, contact the reserve manager.
Popular Attractions
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Uitenhage (23.1 km from Elands River Valley) BallynaFagh Farm offers visitors a relaxing setting to enjoy a wonderful outride on well-schooled horses.
Explore this little bit of African bush and country lanes on horseback. Rides are about 1.5 hours in length with something to suit all levels of experience. If you're new to horse riding, lessons can be arranged.
Beaches
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Gamtoos Mouth (25.7 km from Elands River Valley) At the mouth of the Gamtoos River lies a stunning beach with a huge stretch of soft white sand, perfect for lengthy strolls. The scenic lagoon and river offer safe swimming, boating and canoeing.
Beaches
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Blue Horizon Bay (26.2 km from Elands River Valley) Van Stadens Beach lies at the mouth of the Van Stadens River and has a wonderful lagoon for swimming, fishing and paddleboats. Tall dunes offer some fun sand boarding. The river is suitable for small boats to navigate upstream to the gorge. Lifeguards are on duty over the peak holiday season.
Golf Courses
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Hankey (28.6 km from Elands River Valley) Hankey Country Club's course is rated as one of the best 9-hole courses in the country. This charming old club in the Gamtoos Valley plays host each year to the Hadeda tournament.
Galleries and Museums
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Uitenhage (30.9 km from Elands River Valley) The quaint Old Railway Station Museum is reputed to be one of the oldest railway stations in South Africa. On display are two vintage locomotives, a number of coaches, period furniture and equipment that capture the nostalgia of the pioneering days of steam locomotives. In addition to the station office, the building includes a residence, waiting room and tearoom.
Open Tuesday to Thursday 10:00 – 13:00 and 14:00 – 15:30.
Galleries and Museums
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Uitenhage (30.9 km from Elands River Valley) The Drostdy Museum forms part of the Uitenhage Museum, as does the Cuyler Manor Museum and the Old Railway Station Museum. The Drostdy Africana Museum focuses on the development of the city and how it grew through the introduction of industries ranging from clothing, furniture and other items.
Galleries and Museums
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Uitenhage (30.9 km from Elands River Valley) The AutoPavilion, place of cars and legends, first opened its doors in 2004. This modern, state-of-the art heritage centre replaced the existing museum that housed Volkswagen SA's old vehicles. The multi-million Rand attraction is unique as it is the only automobile discovery centre in Africa and only the 5th worldwide.
Open Monday to Friday 08:30 – 16:00.
Beaches
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Maitlands (32.3 km from Elands River Valley) At the mouth of the Maitland River lies a magnificent bathing beach backed by huge sand dunes stretching for about 5 km West from Beachview to beyond Blue Water Bay.
Kids love the dunes for tobogganing and sand boarding. Maitland River Beach is ideal for leisurely strolls along the waters edge where you can collect sand mussels.
Nature Reserves
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Jeffreys Bay (32.6 km from Elands River Valley) Enjoy clip clopping along untouched beaches and through indigenous vegetation with well-schooled horses and experienced guides. All rides start on the farm Papiesfontein between the Gamtoos and Kabeljous Rivers, 10 km from Jeffreys Bay.
The 13 km trail leads over pretty dunes to the river mouth and a long stretch of beach – perfect for an exhilarating gallop. Along the way you’ll see abundant birdlife, animals and marine life. Bookings are essential.
Dams Vleis
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Uitenhage (32.6 km from Elands River Valley) Willow Dam is an open area where visitors and locals alike can kick back and relax.
Just a short drive from town, this is an ideal place for picnics. A playground for kids is supplied.
Hiking Trail
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Port Elizabeth (32.8 km from Elands River Valley) This day walk takes about three hours and is 3 km in length. It is an easy circular walk that passes through a portion of the forest and links up with the old wagon trail to a disused lead mine.
Bushbuck, blue duikers, porcupine and rodents, as well as a large variety of birds can be spotted. Hikers should take their own water, as the stream water is not drinkable. This trail is great for children. Information boxes and a small hall for conservation education is situated on the trail.
Golf Courses
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Uitenhage (32.8 km from Elands River Valley) Uitenhage Golf Club features a full 18-hole course in the lovely garden city of Uitenhage.
Club facilities include a bar, halfway house, and a boardroom with function facilities. Vistors are welcome everyday.